The last time I climbed a mountain was in the Adirondack's, and, quite frankly, I am pretty sure that I did not even make it to the top.  Therefore, what possessed Kat and I to climb the highest mountain in Ghana?  Answer: our ignorance.

We had little idea what was in store for us when we headed off on Friday morning.  For instance, we didn't know how to get there or where we would stay once we got there.  By sheer luck, and some kind Ghanians, we were able to stumble upon our desired conquest: Mount Afajato. 

After waiting for a guide--a ten year old wearing a pair of flip flops--we ventured toward the trail.  With only a few crackers in my stomach, I was still confident the 45 minute hike up the mountain would not pose much of a problem.  Flash forward to me ten minutes later, and I am hunched over gasping in the most humid air that I have ever attempted to breath. 

Stopping was not an option, even though my legs were screaming with each step. How did I convince myself this would be a good idea?  It wasn't until I saw the marker indicating that we had just climbed mountain in Ghana that I felt a rush of relief.

The rush of relief was quickly countered by the herd of people that were already on the top of the mountain before us.  When I reached the top I expected the peace and serenity of nature to engulf me.  Instead, I discovered myself bombarded by curious Ghanian men asking to have a million pictures with us.

Kat politely posed for the seemingly endless photo shot, which may or may not have resulted in her being proposed to or impregnated (you choose).  I attempted to escape to the other side of the peak, and tried to breathlessly answer the slew of common questions: where are you from, how long have you been here, how long will you be here, are you married, and will you take me back to America with you.  It was not until the group left the peak that I was able to take in the spectacular spectacle that lay around me.

My jello legs carried me back down the mountain, and I made it back to Ho safe and sound once again.